Share this:

Like this:

More often than not, “going to work” means going to an office for many millennials. We’re surrounded by colleagues and cubicles on the daily. But, there’s a lot to take away from an office setting that isn’t just about the actual work. Here’s a few lessons:

Clean up after yourselfNobody likes the coworker who doesn’t clean up after him or herself. You’re not the only person using communal space here, i.e. the fridge, the coffee pot, the microwave, the bathroom… you get the picture. And then there’s the K-Cup that gets left in the Keurig when you’re finished using the Keurig. Throw away your K-Cup — someone else needs to use the Keurig today. Take a paper towel and dust the sugar off the counter. Put your lunch away. It takes little to no effort.

Don’t forget to log outEveryone forgets from time to time. But, how would you feel if when signing on to a shared computer, someone else’s Google account login information was saved… and the next thing you know, you’re signed in to a coworker’s Gmail account? Not saying that the occasional check of the personal email or GChat or even social media doesn’t happen. But it’s just awkward for everyone when you’re looking, even accidentally, at someone else’s stuff… and the same goes for someone else looking at your stuff.

The temperature isn’t always idealWhat may be comfortable for you more than likely isn’t comfortable for your cubicle neighbor. If you find yourself feeling warm, carry your water bottle. Step outside to get some air. Go to the bathroom to splash cold water on your face. If you’re more prone to be cold, carry a sweater. Bring a hot beverage. Pack extra socks. And if all that doesn’t work and you absolutely cannot take it anymore, politely — without making an announcement to the entire office — let a supervisor know that you’re uncomfortable.

Working with other people isn’t always easyYou’re going to have different personalities working on a project — it’s inevitable. It’s possible you won’t get along with everyone. There’s even the potential that one person will pull more of his or her weight than others. It sucks. But you learn to deal with it if you want to keep your job.

Time management is keyWhen you’re in an office, you aren’t on your own time — you’re on their time. And as a result, you have to manage it, possibly differently than you’d normally manage your own time. You have to take the schedules of others into consideration when completing assignments. While it’s not always possible to plan out your entire day at the office, plan as much of it as possible. You, your colleagues, and your boss will work better for it.

Share this:

Like this:

Related

Published by Mary Grace Donaldson

Mary Grace, or Gracie to her friends, is over the moon in her role as Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Not Another Millennial Blog. She holds a Master of Arts in Public Communications and Media Studies from Fordham University where she earned Phi Kappa Phi honors and a Bachelor of Arts in English/Communication Studies from Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island where she earned Magna cum Laude honors. By day, Mary Grace works in her family's automotive business, and manages social media at Continental Who's Who. She is also a member of her area Rotary Club. When not working, driving or drinking her third Starbucks of the day, Mary Grace can be found fantasizing about her next trip to Walt Disney World, watching the Yankees, browsing Sephora, glued to one of her Apple gadgets or playing with her "nephew," Luis. You can reach Mary Grace via email at marygrace@notanothermillennial.com.
View all posts by Mary Grace Donaldson